helpful information

Roofing terms sound so completely foreign for those of us who aren’t involved in construction or roofing that there are times we simply don’t understand the term, and can’t put a cost to it, or imagine what it might be.

Understanding what is being said, is imperative at times and knowing the vernacular might be helpful.

In Part one, we will learn some of the more basic terms used in roofing and construction.

Asphalt - A waterproofing agent added to roofing materials.

Asphalt cement - Asphalt cement used for bonding the roofing materials.

Blisters - Bubbles that can show up on the surface of roofing after it is installed.

Bundle - A package of shingles. There are 3, 4, or 5 bundles per square.

Caulk - To fill a joint with the asphalt cement to prevent leaks.

Chalk line - Line made on the roof by snapping a tight string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for marking a straight line.

Class "A" - Highest fire  rating.

Class "B" - Fire-resistance rating stating that the roofing material is able to withstand moderate exposure to fire.

Class "C" - Fire-resistance rating telling you that your roofing is able to withstand light exposure to fire or flammable materials.

Collar - Pre-formed flange which you place over the vent pipe to seal the roof around the vent pipe opening.

Coverage - Amount of weather protection provided by the roofing material.

Double coverage – putting a coating of asphalt roofing so that lapped portion is at least 2 inches wider than the exposed portion, resulting in two layers of roofing material over the roof.

Downspout - Pipe that drains water from the gutters.

Drip edge - A material used along the eaves to allow water to drip clear of construction.

Eaves - lower edge of a roof slope.

Felt - Fibrous material saturated with asphalt and used as an underlayment in roofing.

Flashing - Pieces of metal or roll roofing used keep the water from seeping into the building.

Gutter - Trough that carries the rain water from the eaves to the downspouts.

Mineral-surfaced roofing - Asphalt shingles and roll roofing that are covered with granules.

Organic felt - Asphalt roofing materials that are made naturally from cellulose fibers.

Organic shingle – Shingle that is uniquely made from only wood pulp materials.

Overhang - portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the walls of a building.

Pallet - Wooden platform made for storing and shipping bundles of shingles.

Pitch - Degree of roof incline.

Roll roofing - Asphalt roofing products manufactured in roll form.

Selvage - That portion of roll roofing overlapped by the succeeding course to obtain double coverage.

Soffit - Finished underside of the eaves.

Strip shingles - Asphalt shingles that are three times as long as they are wide.

Vent - Anoutlet for air that protrudes through the roof.

Wafer board – Can be called Chipboard; a lower grade of wood panel that tends to draw dampness as well.